Participants will engage in discussion at plenary sessions about developing the BC Jobs Plan’s eight sectors of focus – forestry, mining, natural gas, agrifoods, tourism, international education, transportation and technology. (note – I see very little to do with technology and our creative industries, but lots involving natural resource industries on the agenda.)

Dialogue will also focus on the BC Jobs Plan’s three pillars: enabling job creation, getting goods to market and opening and expanding markets, particularly in Asia. (Even though the transportation industry, who will be moving all of those goods, seems to have been overlooked for this event.)

The BC Economic Summit will take place at the Sheraton Vancouver Airport Hotel in Richmond from May 13 to 16, 2012.

The EDABC is the BC Economic Summit’s official host and lead organizer and the event will replace the organization’s 2012 annual conference. Registration to the BC Economic Summit will be open to all those with an interest in fostering B.C. economic and job growth.

Jeff Finkle, President and CEO of the International Economic Development Council, is booked as a keynote speaker and will talk about the importance of global relations. Chris Knight, of fDi Intelligence (London, UK) will talk about how BC is doing in relation to other locations in attracting foreign investments.

Registration is now open through the summit’s website, which will be the primary source for event updates, speakers, and information about partnership opportunities. Ticket prices start at $130.00 for a half day on May 16th and go up to $575.00 (EDABC member price) or $625.00 (non EDABC member price) for a full conference package, meaning that those who could offer much and/or learn much, probably can’t afford the price of a ticket. A paid membership in EDABC starts at $65.00 for students, $100.00 for those in job transition (with conditions), $100.00 for elected government officials, $595.00 for non-profit organizations (with conditions) or $300.00 for primaries.

“While effective economic development is a shared function of all levels of government, it is often most effectively implemented at the local level,” said Pat Bell, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation. “There is a far greater chance of success when there is a partnership between government, business and industry.”

Dale Wheeldon, EDABC Chief Executive Officer, said: “The launch of Canada Starts Here: The BC Jobs Plan is an opportunity for our organization to work with the Province of BC, our members, partners and industry in building a collaborative approach in encouraging economic growth that would benefit all regions in B.C.”